Washington, D.C. (December 11, 2019): The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) applauds Senators Cory Gardner, Tammy Baldwin, and Jerry Moran for their efforts in passing the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019 (S.2661) out of Senate Commerce this morning. Their efforts, as well as the efforts of all congresspeople who’ve made this a priority, bring this one step closer to becoming a reality and saving lives.
“It’s incredible to see the bipartisan support for this lifesaving bill come from across the Hill, ensuring the critical nature of what it provides is held intact,” said Colleen Creighton, Executive Director of AAS. “We know this unique, three-digit hotline will provide Americans with the support they desperately need and are happy to see our legislators agree.”
Of note, the current draft of the bill specifically proposes a funding structure to address the expected increase in call volume. It is the continued view of AAS that any implementation of a three-digit mental health and suicide prevention hotline number must include adequate funding for the crisis intervention providers across the country who answer these calls and at the scale of the demand.
For the Media: Responsible reporting on suicide, including stories of hope and resilience, can prevent more suicides. Please visit the Suicide Reporting Recommendations for more information.
About AAS: Founded in 1968 by Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, AAS promotes the research of suicide and its prevention, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. The membership of AAS includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, suicide prevention and crisis intervention centers, school districts, crisis center volunteers, survivors of suicide loss, attempt survivors, and a variety of lay persons who have in interest in suicide prevention. You can learn more about AAS at www.suicidology.org.
Press Contact:
Chris Maxwell
Director of Public Relations and Media
cmaxwell@suicidology.org